Oral Care Compositions

ABSTRACT

An oral care composition comprising zinc phosphate, stannous fluoride and an organic acid buffer system, as well as methods of using the same.

FIELD

The present invention relates to an oral care composition for use in the treatment or prevention of erosive tooth demineralization, gingivitis, plaque, and dental caries. This oral care composition includes zinc phosphate, stannous fluoride, and an organic acid buffer system.

BACKGROUND

Dental erosion involves demineralization and damage to the tooth structure due to acid attack from nonbacterial sources. Erosion is found initially in the enamel and, if unchecked, may proceed to the underlying dentin. Dental erosion may be caused or exacerbated by acidic foods and drinks, exposure to chlorinated swimming pool water, and regurgitation of gastric acids.

Dental plaque is a sticky biofilm or mass of bacteria that is commonly found between the teeth, along the gum line, and below the gum line margins. Dental plaque can give rise to dental caries and periodontal problems such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Dental caries tooth decay or tooth demineralization caused by acid produced from the bacterial degradation of fermentable sugar.

Oral care compositions which contain stannous ion sources exhibit excellent clinical benefits, particularly in the reduction of gingivitis and in the treatment or prevention of erosive tooth demineralization. Stannous fluoride is well known for use in clinical dentistry with a history of therapeutic benefits over forty years. However, until recently, its popularity has been limited by its instability in aqueous solutions. The instability of stannous fluoride in water is primarily due to the reactivity of the stannous ion (Sn²⁺). Stannous salts readily hydrolyse above a pH of 4, resulting in precipitation from solution, with a consequent loss of the therapeutic properties.

One way to overcome the stability problems with stannous ions is to limit the amount of water in the composition to very low levels, or to use a dual phase system. Both of these solutions to the stannous ion problem have drawbacks. Low water oral care compositions can be difficult to formulate with desired rheological properties, and dual-phase compositions are considerably more expensive to manufacture and package.

Soluble zinc salts, such as zinc citrate, have been used in dentifrice compositions, but have several disadvantages. Zinc ions in solution impart an unpleasant, astringent mouthfeel, so formulations that provide effective levels of zinc, and also have acceptable organoleptic properties, have been difficult to achieve. Moreover, free zinc ions may react with fluoride ions to produce zinc fluoride, which is insoluble and so reduces the availability of both the zinc and the fluoride. Finally, the zinc ions will react with anionic surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulfate, thus interfering with foaming and cleaning.

Zinc phosphate (Zn₃(PO₄)₂) is insoluble in water, although soluble in acidic or basic solutions, e.g., solutions of mineral acids, acetic acid, ammonia, or alkali hydroxides. See, e.g., Merck Index, 13^(th) Ed. (2001) p. 1812, monograph number 10205. Partly because it is viewed in the art as a generally inert material, zinc phosphate is commonly used in dental cements, for example in cementation of inlays, crowns, bridges, and orthodontic appliances, which are intended to endure in the mouth for many years. Zinc phosphate dental cements are generally prepared by mixing zinc oxide and magnesium oxide powders with a liquid consisting principally of phosphoric acid, water, and buffers, so the cement comprising zinc phosphate is formed in situ by reaction with phosphoric acid.

Thus, there is a need for providing improved stannous ion containing products for treating or preventing erosion of tooth enamel with antimicrobial effectiveness, reducing plaque or treating or controlling gingivitis. There is also a desire for novel anti-microbial compositions that are stable in water and easy to manufacture.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are high water oral care compositions comprising zinc phosphate, stannous fluoride, and an organic acid buffer system. Methods and uses for this composition are also described throughout. The compositions disclosed herein provide improved protection from demineralization and enhanced antibacterial activity compared to the prior art. In some embodiments, the zinc phosphate is added to the dentifrice as a preformed salt. In some embodiments, the organic acid buffer system is a citric acid/citrate buffer system. In some embodiments, the oral care composition is a toothpaste or oral gel composition.

Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the disclosure, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses.

As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by referenced in their entireties. In the event of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and that of a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.

Unless otherwise specified, all percentages and amounts expressed herein and elsewhere in the specification should be understood to refer to percentages by weight of the entire composition. The amounts given are based on the active weight of the material.

It has been surprisingly found that a high water oral care composition comprising zinc phosphate, stannous fluoride, and an organic acid buffer system, selected at certain concentrations and amounts, is unexpectedly more efficacious in boosting the anti-erosion and anti-microbial properties of a stannous ions containing formulation when compared to formulations according to the prior art.

As used herein, the term “high water” refers to an oral care composition, such as a toothpaste or oral gel, which comprises from 10% to 99% water, by weight of the composition. For example, the composition may comprise at least 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35% or 40% water, up to a maximum of, for example, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% or 99% water, by weight of the composition. As used herein, amounts of water refer to water added directly to the composition, as well as water added as part of ingredients or components which are added as aqueous solutions. In some embodiments, the composition comprises 10-60% water, or 10-50% water, or 10-40% water, or 10-30% water, or 15-30% water, or 20-30% water, or about 25% water, by weight of the composition.

As used herein, the term “preformed salt”—when used in reference to zinc phosphate—means that the zinc phosphate is not formed in situ in the oral care composition, e.g., through the reaction of phosphoric acid and another zinc salt.

In one aspect, the present disclosure therefore provides a high water oral care composition (Composition 1) comprising an orally acceptable carrier, zinc phosphate and stannous fluoride, and an organic acid buffer system. In further embodiments of this aspect, the present disclosure provides:

-   -   1.1 Composition 1, wherein the zinc phosphate is a preformed         salt of zinc phosphate (e.g., zinc phosphate hydrate).     -   1.2 Composition 1 or 1.2, wherein the zinc phosphate is present         in an amount sufficient so that the stannous fluoride         dissociates to provide a therapeutically effective amount of         stannous ions in aqueous solution.     -   1.3 Any preceding composition, wherein the amount of zinc         phosphate is from 0.05 to 10% by weight, relative to the weight         of the oral care composition, for example, from 0.1 to 8% by         weight, or from 0.5 to 5% by weight, or from 0.5 to 4% by         weight, or from 1 to 4%, or from 1 to 3% by weight, or from 2 to         3% by weight, or about 1% or about 2%, or about 2.25% or about         2.5%, by weight.     -   1.4 Any preceding composition, wherein the amount of the         stannous fluoride is from to 5% by weight, relative to the         weight of the oral care composition, for example, from 0.05 to         4% by weight, or from 0.1% to 3% by weight, or from 0.2 to 2% by         weight, or from 0.3 to 1% by weight, or from 0.4 to 0.8% by         weight, or from 0.4 to 0.6% by weight, or from 0.4 to 0.5% by         weight, or about 0.45% by weight (e.g., 0.454% by weight).     -   1.5 Any preceding composition, wherein the amount of the water         is 10% by weight or more, relative to the weight of the oral         care composition, for example, 10-90%, or or 10-70%, or 10-60%,         or 10-50%, or 10-40%, or 10-30%, or 15-30%, or or 20-50%, or         30-35%, or about 25% or about 30%, by weight of the composition.     -   1.6 Any preceding composition, wherein the organic buffer system         comprises a carboxylic acid and one or more conjugate base salts         thereof, for example, alkali metal salts thereof (e.g., citric         acid and sodium citrate).     -   1.7 Composition 1.6, wherein the acid is selected from citric         acid, lactic acid, malic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, acetic         acid, succinic acid, and tartaric acid.     -   1.8 Composition 1.6 or 1.7, wherein the one or more conjugate         base salts are independently selected from sodium and potassium         salts, or combinations thereof.     -   1.9 Composition 1.6, 1.7 or 1.8 wherein the acid is citric acid,         and the one or more conjugate base salts comprise monosodium         citrate (monobasic), disodium citrate (dibasic), trisodium         citrate (tribasic), and combinations thereof.     -   1.10 Any preceding composition, wherein the composition         comprises the organic acid buffer system in an amount of 0.1 to         5.0% by weight of the composition, measured as the combined         amount of organic acid and any conjugate base salts;     -   for example, from 0.5 to 4.0%, or from 1.0 to 3.0%, or from 1.5         to 3.0%, or from 1.0 to 2.4%, or from 1.0% to 2.0%, or from 1.0%         to 1.5%, or about 1.2%, by weight of the composition.     -   1.11 Any preceding composition, wherein the buffer system         consists of an organic acid and a conjugate base salt thereof,         for example, in a ratio of from 1:1 to 1:10, e.g., from 1:2 to         1:8, or from 1:3 to 1:6, or from 1:4 to 1:6, or from 1:5 to 1:6,         or about 1:5, by weight of the components.     -   1.12 Any preceding composition, wherein the buffer system         comprises citric acid and a sodium citrate salt (e.g., trisodium         citrate, disodium citrate, or monosodium citrate), in a ratio of         from 1:3 to 1:6, or 1:4 to 1:6, or about 1:5 (e.g., about         1:5.7), by weight.     -   1.13 Any preceding composition, wherein the oral care         composition further comprises an abrasive, for example, silica         abrasives, calcium abrasives, and other abrasives as disclosed         herein.     -   1.14 Any preceding composition, further comprising one or more         humectants, as described herein, e.g., selected from sorbitol,         glycerol, xylitol and propylene glycol, or combinations thereof,         e.g., a combination of sorbitol and glycerin.     -   1.15 Any preceding composition, further comprising one or more         surfactants, as described herein, e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate,         sodium laureth sulfate, or cocamidopropyl betaine, or         combinations thereof, for example, a combination of sodium         lauryl sulfate and cocamidopropyl betaine (e.g., in a combined         amount of 2-5% by weight).     -   1.16 Any preceding composition, further comprising an effective         amount of one or more alkali phosphate salts for example         orthophosphates, pyrophosphates, tripolyphosphates,         tetraphosphates or higher polyphosphates.     -   1.17 Composition 1.16, wherein the alkali phosphate salts         comprise tetrasodium pyrophosphate or tetrapotassium         pyrophosphate, for example, in an amount of 0.5 to 5% by weight         of the composition, e.g., 1-4%, or about 2-4%, or about 1-2% or         about 1.5% or about 2% or about 4%, by weight.     -   1.18 Composition 1.16 or 1.17, wherein the alkali phosphate         salts comprise sodium tripolyphosphate or potassium         tripolyphosphate, for example, in an amount of 0.5 to 6% by         weight of the composition, e.g., 1-4%, or 2-3% or about 3% by         weight.     -   1.19 Any preceding composition, further comprising a whitening         agent.     -   1.20 Any preceding composition, further comprising one or more         sources of zinc ions in addition to the zinc phosphate, for         example a zinc salt selected from zinc citrate, zinc oxide, zinc         lactate, zinc pyrophosphate, zinc sulfate, or zinc chloride.     -   1.21 Any preceding composition, further comprising one or more         fluoride ion sources in addition to the stannous fluoride, for         example, a fluoride ion source selected from sodium fluoride,         potassium fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate, sodium         fluorosilicate, ammonium fluorosilicate, amine fluoride,         ammonium fluoride, and combinations thereof.     -   1.22 Any preceding composition, wherein the oral care         composition is a dentifrice (e.g., a toothpaste or oral gel),         powder (e.g., tooth powder), cream, strip or gum (e.g., chewing         gum).     -   1.23 Any preceding composition, wherein the pH of the         composition is from 6 to 9, such as from 6.5 to 8, or from 6.5         to 7.5, or about 7.0.

1.24 Any preceding composition, wherein the composition is a single-phase composition (e.g., not a dual-phase composition).

-   -   1.25 Any preceding composition, wherein the composition does not         comprise one or more of zinc oxide, zinc citrate, or zinc         lactate.     -   1.26 Any preceding composition, wherein the zinc phosphate is         the only zinc ion source.     -   1.27 Any preceding composition, wherein the composition is         essentially free or free of phosphates of more than four         phosphate groups.     -   1.28 Any preceding composition, wherein the composition is         essentially free or free of phosphates of more than three         phosphate groups.     -   1.29 Any preceding composition, wherein the composition is         essentially free or free of hexametaphosphate salts (e.g.,         sodium hexametaphosphate).     -   1.30 Any preceding composition, wherein the composition is free         of methyl vinyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymer.     -   1.31 Any preceding composition, wherein the composition is free         of anionic polymer.     -   1.32 Any of the preceding compositions, wherein the composition         is effective upon application to the oral cavity, e.g., by         rinsing, optionally in conjunction with brushing, to (i) reduce         or inhibit formation of dental caries, (ii) reduce, repair or         inhibit pre-carious lesions of the enamel, e.g., as detected by         quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) or electrical         caries measurement (ECM), (iii) reduce or inhibit         demineralization and promote remineralization of the teeth, (iv)         reduce hypersensitivity of the teeth, (v) reduce or inhibit         gingivitis, (vi) promote healing of sores or cuts in the         mouth, (vii) reduce levels of acid producing bacteria, (viii) to         increase relative levels of arginolytic bacteria, (ix) inhibit         microbial biofilm formation in the oral cavity, (x) raise and/or         maintain plaque pH at levels of at least pH 5.5 following sugar         challenge, (xi) reduce plaque accumulation, (xii) treat, relieve         or reduce dry mouth, (xiii) clean the teeth and oral         cavity (xiv) reduce erosion, (xv) prevents stains and/or whiten         teeth, (xvi) immunize the teeth against cariogenic bacteria;         and/or (xvii) promote systemic health, including cardiovascular         health, e.g., by reducing potential for systemic infection via         the oral tissues.     -   1.33 Any preceding compositions, wherein the composition further         comprises a polymer selected from carboxymethyl cellulose (free         form or a salt, e.g., sodium salt), a gum (e.g., xanthan gum,         carrageenan gum, or gum arabic), polyethylene glycol (e.g.,         polyethylene glycol 200, 400, 600 or 800, or a mixture thereof),         and a mixture thereof, for example, a mixture of sodium carboxy         methyl cellulose, xanthan gum and polyethylene glycol 600.     -   1.34 Any preceding composition further comprising a silica         thickener and/or a silica abrasive.     -   1.35 Any preceding composition comprising the following         ingredients:

Zinc phosphate (e.g., zinc 0.05-2.5%, e.g., about 1% phosphate hydrate) Stannous fluoride 0.3-1%, e.g., about 0.45% Alkali metal pyrophosphate 1-5%, e.g., about 2% or 4% (e.g., tetrasodium or tetrapotassium pyrophosphate) Sodium citrate, e.g., trisodium 0.8-2.5%, e.g., about 1% citrate dihydrate Citric acid 0.15-0.5%, e.g., about 0.2% Anionic Surfactant (e.g., 1-3%, e.g., about 1.5% sodium lauryl sulfate) Zwitterionic Surfactant 1-3%, e.g., about 1.25% (e.g., CAPB) Sorbitol (e.g., 70 wt % sorbitol) 20-50%, e.g., about 40% Glycerin 1-8%, e.g., about 4% Gum polymer (e.g., xanthan 0.05-2%, e.g., about 0.3% gum) Polyethylene glycol (e.g., 1-5%, e.g., about 2% PEG 600) Carboxymethyl cellulose 0.5-3%, e.g., about 2% (e.g., Sodium CMC) Water (e.g., added water) 10-30%, e.g., 15-20%, e.g., about 20% Total Water 20-50%, e.g., about 30%

Any amount of zinc phosphate that is effective for protecting against enamel erosion and/or providing any of the other benefits described herein can be employed. Examples of suitable amounts of zinc phosphate can range from 0.05 to 5% by weight, such as from 0.1 to 4% by weight, or from 0.5 to 3% by weight, or from 0.5 to 2% by weight, or from 0.8 to 1.5% by weight, or from 0.9 to 1.1% by weight, or about 1% by weight, relative to the weight of the oral care composition.

While zinc phosphate is considered insoluble (e.g., poorly soluble), in water, when placed in formulation, e.g., at acidic or basic pH, zinc phosphate can dissolve sufficiently upon use to provide an effective concentration of zinc ions to the enamel, thereby protecting against erosion, reducing bacterial colonization and biofilm development, and providing enhanced shine to the teeth. It has also been discovered that zinc phosphate in a formulation with a second phosphate source enhances phosphate deposition. As explained in WO2014/088573, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, this is all unexpected, in view of the poor solubility of zinc phosphate, and the art-recognized view that it is substantially inert in conditions in the oral cavity, as evidenced by its widespread use in dental cement. At the same time, the formulations containing zinc phosphate do not exhibit the poor taste and mouthfeel, poor fluoride delivery, and poor foaming and cleaning associated with conventional zinc-based oral care products, which use more soluble zinc salts.

An amount of stannous fluoride, preferably an effective amount, is employed in combination with the zinc phosphate in the compositions of the present disclosure. For example, the stannous fluoride can be employed in an amount that is effective for providing anti-microbial benefits, such as anti-caries protection and/or anti-gingivitis protection, and/or anti-erosion benefits for protection of tooth enamel. Examples of suitable amounts of stannous fluoride range from 0.01% to 5% by weight, relative to the weight of the oral care composition, for example, from 0.05 to 4% by weight, or from 0.1% to 3% by weight, or from 0.2 to 2% by weight, or from 0.3 to 1% by weight, or from 0.4 to 0.8% by weight, or from 0.4 to 0.6% by weight, or from 0.4 to 0.5% by weight, or about 0.45% by weight (e.g., 0.454%), relative to the total weight of the dentifrice composition. Formulations can include stannous levels, provided by stannous fluoride, ranging for example, from 3,000 ppm to 15,000 ppm (mass fraction) stannous ions in the total composition. In embodiments, the soluble stannous content can range from 0.1 wt % to 0.5 wt %, or more, such as from 0.15 wt % to 0.32 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition.

The combination of zinc and stannous ions provides one or more of the following benefits: improved antimicrobial benefits compared to the zinc ions alone; improved control of plaque and/or gingivitis; improved protection against the erosion of tooth enamel.

In compositions comprising significant amounts of water, the zinc phosphate acts as a stabilizing agent for the stannous fluoride, so that the stannous fluoride remains in solution in the water. As discussed above, stannous fluoride is generally considered unstable in water due to the hydrolytic and oxidative loss of stannous ions at typical pH ranges employed in oral care compositions. Consequently, stannous fluoride is generally employed in compositions containing no water or low water, or with a chelating agent. Tedious procedures are employed in order to provide stable solutions in which the tendency of the stannous ion to be oxidized or hydrolyzed is inhibited. Applicants have surprisingly found that zinc phosphate and stannous fluoride can be combined together in a single phase formulation and stabilized by the presence of an appropriate organic acid buffer system. The organic acid buffer system helps solubilize the zinc phosphate and it helps stabilize the soluble stannous ions.

The compositions may optionally comprise additional ingredients suitable for use in oral care compositions. Examples of such ingredients include active agents, such as a fluoride source and/or a phosphate source in addition to zinc phosphate. The compositions may be formulated in a suitable dentifrice base, e.g., comprising abrasives, e.g., silica abrasives, surfactants, foaming agents, vitamins, polymers, enzymes, humectants, thickeners, additional antimicrobial agents, preservatives, flavorings, colorings, and/or combinations thereof. Examples of suitable dentifrice bases are known in the art. Alternatively, the compositions may be formulated as a gel (e.g., for use in a tray), chewing gum, lozenge or mint. Examples of suitable additional ingredients that can be employed in the compositions of the present disclosure are discussed in more detail below.

Active Agents: The compositions of the disclosure may comprise various other agents that are active to protect and enhance the strength and integrity of the enamel and tooth structure and/or to reduce bacteria and associated tooth decay and/or gum disease or to provide other desired benefits. Effective concentration of the active ingredients used herein will depend on the particular agent and the delivery system used. The concentration will also depend on the exact salt or polymer selected. For example, where the active agent is provided in salt form, the counterion will affect the weight of the salt, so that if the counterion is heavier, more salt by weight will be required to provide the same concentration of active ion in the final product.

Compositions of the disclosure may contain from 0.1 to 1 wt % of an antibacterial agent, such as about 0.3 wt. %. Any suitable antimicrobial actives can be employed.

Fluoride Ion Source: The oral care compositions can include one or more additional fluoride ion sources, e.g., soluble fluoride salts. A wide variety of fluoride ion-yielding materials can be employed as sources of soluble fluoride in the present compositions. Examples of suitable fluoride ion-yielding materials are found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,535,421, to Briner et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,885,155, to Parran, Jr. et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 3,678,154, to Widder et al, the disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Representative fluoride ion sources include, but are not limited to, sodium fluoride, potassium fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate, sodium fluorosilicate, ammonium fluorosilicate, amine fluoride, ammonium fluoride, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments the fluoride ion source includes sodium fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate as well as mixtures thereof. In certain embodiments, the oral care composition of the disclosure may contain stannous fluoride and any additional source of fluoride ions or fluorine-providing agents in amounts sufficient to supply, in total, from 25 ppm to 25,000 ppm (mass fraction) of fluoride ions, generally at least 500 ppm, e.g., from 500 to 2000 ppm, e.g., from 1000 to 1600 ppm, e.g., about 1450 ppm. The appropriate level of fluoride will depend on the particular application. A toothpaste for general consumer use would typically have from 1000 to about 1500 ppm, with pediatric toothpaste having somewhat less. A dentifrice or coating for professional application could have as much as 5,000 or even about 25,000 ppm fluoride. Additional fluoride ion sources may be added to the compositions of the disclosure at a level of from 0.01 wt. % to 10 wt. % in one embodiment or from 0.03 wt. % to 5 wt. %, and in another embodiment from 0.1 wt. % to 1 wt. % by weight of the composition. As discussed above, weights of fluoride salts to provide the appropriate level of fluoride ion will vary based on the weight of the counterion in the salt.

Abrasives: The compositions of the disclosure can include abrasives. Examples of suitable abrasives include silica abrasives, such as standard cleaning silicas, high cleaning silicas or any other suitable abrasive silicas. Additional examples of abrasives that can be used in addition to or in place of the silica abrasives include, for example, a calcium phosphate abrasive, e.g., tricalcium phosphate (Ca₃(PO₄)₂), hydroxyapatite (Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂), or dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (CaHPO₄·2H₂O, also sometimes referred to herein as DiCal) or calcium pyrophosphate; calcium carbonate abrasive; or abrasives such as sodium metaphosphate, potassium metaphosphate, aluminum silicate, calcined alumina, bentonite or other siliceous materials, or combinations thereof.

Silica abrasive polishing materials useful herein, as well as the other abrasives, generally have an average particle size ranging between 0.1 and 30 microns, such as between 5 and 15 microns. The silica abrasives can be from precipitated silica or silica gels, such as the silica xerogels described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,538,230, to Pader et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 3,862,307, to Digiulio, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Particular silica xerogels are marketed under the trade name Syloid® by the W. R. Grace & Co., Davison Chemical Division. The precipitated silica materials include those marketed by the J. M. Huber Corp. under the trade name Zeodent®, including the silica carrying the designation Zeodent 115 and 119. These silica abrasives are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,340,583, to Wason, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In certain embodiments, abrasive materials useful in the practice of the oral care compositions in accordance with the disclosure include silica gels and precipitated amorphous silica having an oil absorption value of less than 100 cc/100 g silica, such as from 45 cc/100 g to 70 cc/100 g silica. Oil absorption values are measured using the ASTA Rub-Out Method D281. In certain embodiments, the silicas are colloidal particles having an average particle size of from 3 microns to 12 microns, and from 5 to 10 microns. Examples of low oil absorption silica abrasives useful in the practice of the disclosure are marketed under the trade designation Sylodent XWA® by Davison Chemical Division of W.R. Grace & Co., Baltimore, Md. 21203. Sylodent 650 XWA®, a silica hydrogel composed of particles of colloidal silica having a water content of 29% by weight averaging from 7 to 10 microns in diameter, and an oil absorption of less than 70 cc/100 g of silica is an example of a low oil absorption silica abrasive useful in the practice of the present disclosure.

Any suitable amount of silica abrasive can be employed. Examples of suitable amounts include 10 wt. % or more dry weight of silica particles, such as from 15 wt. % to 30 wt. % or from 15 wt. % to 25 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition.

Foaming agents: The oral care compositions of the disclosure also may include an agent to increase the amount of foam that is produced when the oral cavity is brushed. Illustrative examples of agents that increase the amount of foam include, but are not limited to polyoxyethylene and certain polymers including, but not limited to, alginate polymers. The polyoxyethylene may increase the amount of foam and the thickness of the foam generated by the oral care compositions of the present disclosure. Polyoxyethylene is also commonly known as polyethylene glycol (“PEG”) or polyethylene oxide. The polyoxyethylenes suitable for compositions of the present disclosure may have a molecular weight of from 200,000 to 7,000,000. In one embodiment the molecular weight may be from 600,000 to 2,000,000 and in another embodiment from 800,000 to 1,000,000. Polyox® is the trade name for the high molecular weight polyoxyethylene produced by Union Carbide. The foaming agent, (e.g., polyoxyethylene) may be present in an amount of from 0.1% to 50%, in one embodiment from 0.5% to 20% and in another embodiment from 1% to 10%, or from 2% to 5% by weight of the oral care compositions of the present disclosure.

Surfactants: The compositions useful in the compositions of the present disclosure may contain anionic surfactants, for example:

-   -   i. water-soluble salts of higher fatty acid monoglyceride         monosulfates, such as the sodium salt of the monosulfated         monoglyceride of hydrogenated coconut oil fatty acids such as         sodium N-methyl N-cocoyl taurate, sodium cocomonoglyceride         sulfate,     -   ii. higher alkyl sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate,     -   iii. higher alkyl-ether sulfates, e.g., of formula         CH₃(CH₂)_(m)CH₂(OCH₂CH₂)_(n)OSO₃X, wherein m is 6-16, e.g., 10,         n is 1-6, e.g., 2, 3 or 4, and X is Na or K, for example sodium         laureth-2 sulfate (CH₃(CH₂)₁₀CH₂(OCH₂CH₂)₂OSO₃Na),     -   iv. higher alkyl aryl sulfonates such as sodium dodecyl benzene         sulfonate (sodium lauryl benzene sulfonate),     -   v. higher alkyl sulfoacetates, such as sodium lauryl         sulfoacetate (dodecyl sodium sulfoacetate), higher fatty acid         esters of 1,2 dihydroxy propane sulfonate, sulfocolaurate         (N-2-ethyl laurate potassium sulfoacetamide) and sodium lauryl         sarcosinate.

By “higher alkyl” is meant, e.g., C₆₋₃₀ alkyl. In certain embodiments, the anionic surfactants useful herein include the water-soluble salts of alkyl sulfates having from 10 to 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl radical and the water-soluble salts of sulfonated monoglycerides of fatty acids having from 10 to 18 carbon atoms. Sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate and sodium coconut monoglyceride sulfonates are examples of anionic surfactants of this type. In particular embodiments, the anionic surfactant is selected from sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium ether lauryl sulfate. In a particular embodiment, the compositions of the disclosure comprise sodium lauryl sulfate. The anionic surfactant may be present in an amount which is effective, e.g., >0.01% by weight of the formulation, but not at a concentration which would be irritating to the oral tissue, e.g., <10%, and optimal concentrations depend on the particular formulation and the particular surfactant. In one embodiment, the anionic surfactant is present in a toothpaste at from 0.3% to 4.5% by weight, e.g., about 1.5%. The compositions of the disclosure may optionally contain mixtures of surfactants, e.g., comprising anionic surfactants and other surfactants that may be anionic, cationic, zwitterionic or nonionic. Generally, suitable surfactants are those which are reasonably stable throughout a wide pH range. Surfactants are described more fully, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,959,458, to Agricola et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 3,937,807, to Haefele; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,051,234, to Gieske et al, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

The surfactant or mixtures of compatible surfactants that are included in addition to the anionic surfactants can be present in the compositions of the present disclosure in from 0.1% to in another embodiment from 0.3% to 3.0% and in another embodiment from 0.5% to 2.0% by weight of the total composition. These ranges do not include the anionic surfactant amounts.

In some embodiments, the compositions of the present disclosure include a zwitterionic surfactant, for example a betaine surfactant, for example cocamidopropylbetaine, e.g. in an amount of from 0.1% to 4.5% by weight, e.g. from 0.5 to 2% by weight cocamidopropylbetaine.

Tartar control agents: In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the compositions comprise an anticalculus (tartar control) agent. Suitable anticalculus agents include, without limitation, phosphates and polyphosphates (for example pyrophosphates and tripolyphosphates), polyaminopropanesulfonic acid (AMPS), hexametaphosphate salts, zinc citrate trihydrate, polypeptides, polyolefin sulfonates, polyolefin phosphates, and diphosphonates. The compositions of the disclosure thus may comprise phosphate salts in addition to the zinc phosphate. In particular embodiments, these salts are alkali phosphate salts, e.g., salts of alkali metal hydroxides or alkaline earth hydroxides, for example, sodium, potassium or calcium salts. “Phosphate” as used herein encompasses orally acceptable mono- and polyphosphates, for example, P₁₋₆ phosphates, for example monomeric phosphates such as monobasic, dibasic or tribasic phosphate; and dimeric phosphates such as pyrophosphates; and multimeric phosphates, such as tripolyphosphates, tetraphosphates, hexaphosphates and hexametaphosphates (e.g., sodium hexametaphosphate). In particular examples, the selected phosphate is selected from alkali dibasic phosphate and alkali pyrophosphate salts, e.g., selected from sodium phosphate dibasic, potassium phosphate dibasic, dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, calcium pyrophosphate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, tetrapotassium pyrophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, and mixtures of any of two or more of these. In a particular embodiment, for example the compositions may comprise tetrasodium pyrophosphate in an amount of from 0.5 to 5% by weight, e.g., 1-3%, or 1-4%, or 2-4%, or 1-2% or about 2%, or about 4% by weight of the composition. In another embodiment, the compositions may comprise a mixture of tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP) and sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), e.g., in proportions of TSPP at from to 5 wt. %, such as from 1 to 2 wt. % or 1 to 4 wt. % and STPP at from 0.5% to 6 wt. %, such as 1 to 4%, or 2 to 3% by weight of the composition. Such phosphates are provided in an amount effective to reduce erosion of the enamel, to aid in cleaning the teeth, and/or to reduce tartar buildup on the teeth, for example in an amount of from 0.2 to 20 wt. %, e.g., from 1 to 15 wt. %, by weight of the composition.

Flavoring Agents: The oral care compositions of the disclosure may also include a flavoring agent. Flavoring agents which are used in the practice of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, essential oils as well as various flavoring aldehydes, esters, alcohols, and similar materials. Examples of the essential oils include oils of spearmint, peppermint, wintergreen, sassafras, clove, sage, eucalyptus, marjoram, cinnamon, lemon, lime, grapefruit, and orange. Also useful are such chemicals as menthol, carvone, and anethole. Certain embodiments employ the oils of peppermint and spearmint. The flavoring agent may be incorporated in the oral composition at a concentration of from 0.1 to 5% by weight e.g., from to 1.5% by weight.

Polymers: The oral care compositions of the disclosure may also include additional polymers to adjust the viscosity of the formulation or enhance the solubility of other ingredients. Such additional polymers include polyethylene glycols, polysaccharides (e.g., cellulose derivatives, for example carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose or polysaccharide gums, for example xanthan gum, guar gum or carrageenan gum). Acidic polymers, for example polyacrylate gels, may be provided in the form of their free acids or partially or fully neutralized water soluble alkali metal (e.g., potassium and sodium) or ammonium salts. In one embodiment, the oral care composition may contain PVP. PVP generally refers to a polymer containing vinylpyrrolidone (also referred to as N-vinylpyrrolidone, N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone and N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone) as a monomeric unit. The monomeric unit consists of a polar imide group, four non-polar methylene groups and a non-polar methane group.

In some embodiments, the compositions of the disclosure comprise one or more polyethylene glycols, for example, polyethylene glycols in a molecular weight range from 200 to 800. For example, the compositions may comprise one or more of polyethylene glycol 200, polyethylene glycol 300, polyethylene glycol 400, polyethylene glycol, 600 or polyethylene glycol 800.

Silica thickeners, which form polymeric structures or gels in aqueous media, may be present. Note that these silica thickeners are physically and functionally distinct from the particulate silica abrasives also present in the compositions, as the silica thickeners are very finely divided and provide little or no abrasive action. Other thickening agents are carboxyvinyl polymers, carrageenan, hydroxyethyl cellulose and water soluble salts of cellulose ethers such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and sodium carboxymethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose. Natural gums such as karaya, gum arabic, and gum tragacanth can also be incorporated. Colloidal magnesium aluminum silicate can also be used as component of the thickening composition to further improve the composition's texture. In certain embodiments, thickening agents in an amount of from 0.5% to 5.0% by weight of the total composition are used.

In some embodiments, the compositions of the disclosure may include an anionic polymer, for example in an amount of from 0.05 to 5%. Examples of such agents generally known for use in dentifrice are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,188,821 and 5,192,531, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety; and include synthetic anionic polymeric polycarboxylates, such as 1:4 to 4:1 copolymers of maleic anhydride or acid with another polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomer, preferably methyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride having a molecular weight (M.W.) of from 30,000 to 1,000,000, such as from 300,000 to 800,000. These copolymers are available for example as Gantrez, e.g., AN 139 (M.W. 500,000), AN 119 (M.W. 250,000) and preferably S-97 Pharmaceutical Grade (M.W. 700,000) available from ISP Technologies, Inc., Bound Brook, N.J. 08805. The enhancing agents when present are present in amounts ranging from 0.05 to 3% by weight. Other operative polymers include those such as the 1:1 copolymers of maleic anhydride with ethyl acrylate, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone, or ethylene, the latter being available for example as Monsanto EMA No. 1103, M.W. 10,000 and EMA Grade 61, and 1:1 copolymers of acrylic acid with methyl or hydroxyethyl methacrylate, methyl or ethyl acrylate, isobutyl vinyl ether or N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone. Suitable generally, are polymerized olefinically or ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids containing an activated carbon-to-carbon olefinic double bond and at least one carboxyl group, that is, an acid containing an olefinic double bond which readily functions in polymerization because of its presence in the monomer molecule either in the alpha-beta position with respect to a carboxyl group or as part of a terminal methylene grouping. Illustrative of such acids are acrylic, methacrylic, ethacrylic, alpha-chloroacrylic, crotonic, beta-acryloxy propionic, sorbic, alpha-chlorsorbic, cinnamic, beta-styrylacrylic, muconic, itaconic, citraconic, mesaconic, glutaconic, aconitic, alpha-phenylacrylic, 2-benzyl acrylic, 2-cyclohexylacrylic, angelic, umbellic, fumaric, maleic acids and anhydrides. Other different olefinic monomers copolymerizable with such carboxylic monomers include vinylacetate, vinyl chloride, dimethyl maleate and the like. Copolymers contain sufficient carboxylic salt groups for water-solubility. A further class of polymeric agents includes a composition containing homopolymers of substituted acrylamides and/or homopolymers of unsaturated sulfonic acids and salts thereof, in particular where polymers are based on unsaturated sulfonic acids selected from acrylamidoalykane sulfonic acids such as 2-acrylamide 2-methylpropane sulfonic acid having a molecular weight of from 1,000 to 2,000,000. Another useful class of polymeric agents includes polyamino acids containing proportions of anionic surface-active amino acids such as aspartic acid, glutamic acid and phosphoserine, e.g. as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,866,161, issued to Sikes et al., which is also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In some embodiments, there are no anionic polymers present in the composition. In other embodiments, there may be anionic polymers present, but they do not include copolymers of methyl vinyl ether and maleic acid or anhydride.

Humectants: Within certain embodiments of the oral compositions, it is also desirable to incorporate a humectant to prevent the composition from hardening upon exposure to air. Certain humectants can also impart desirable sweetness or flavor to dentifrice compositions. Suitable humectants include edible polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin, sorbitol, xylitol, propylene glycol as well as other polyols and mixtures of these humectants. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the principal humectant is one of glycerin, sorbitol or a combination thereof. The humectant may be present at levels of greater than 15 wt. %, such as from 15 wt. % to 55 wt. %, or from 20 wt. % to 50 wt. %, or from 20 wt. % to 40 wt. %, or about 20% or about 30% or about 40%, based on the total weight of the composition.

Other optional ingredients: In addition to the above-described components, the embodiments of this disclosure can contain a variety of optional oral care ingredients some of which are described below. Optional ingredients include, for example, but are not limited to, adhesives, sudsing agents, flavoring agents, sweetening agents such as sodium saccharin, additional antiplaque agents, abrasives, aesthetics such as TiO₂ coated mica or other coloring agents, such as dyes and/or pigments.

In some embodiments, the compositions of the present disclosure can have any pH suitable for in a product for use in oral care. Examples of suitable pH ranges are from 6 to 9, such as from 6.5 to 8, or 6.5 to 7.5, or about 7.0.

In some embodiments, the oral care compositions of the present disclosure are either essentially free of, free of, or do not include any sodium hexametaphosphate. In some embodiments, the oral care compositions of the present disclosure are either essentially free of, free of, or do not include any halogenated diphenyl ethers (e.g., triclosan).

By “essentially free” is meant that the compositions have no more than 0.01% by weight of these compounds.

In some embodiments, the compositions of the present disclosure are either essentially free of, free of or do not include any complexing agents for increasing solubility of zinc phosphate and/or for maintaining the stannous fluoride in solution. Examples of known complexing agents that can be excluded from the compositions of the present disclosure include the chelating agents taught in U.S. Patent Application No. 2007/0025928, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Such chelating agents include mineral surface-active agents, including mineral surface-active agents that are polymeric and/or polyelectrolytes and that are selected from phosphorylated polymers, wherein if the phosphorylated polymer is a polyphosphate, the polyphosphate has average chain length of 3.5 or more, such as 4 or more; polyphosphonates; polycarboxylates; carboxy-substituted polymers; copolymers of phosphate- or phosphonate-containing monomers or polymers with ethylenically unsaturated monomers, amino acids, proteins, polypeptides, polysaccharides, poly(acrylate), poly(acrylamide), poly(methacrylate), poly(ethacrylate), poly(hydroxyalkylmethacrylate), poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(maleic anhydride), poly(maleate) poly(amide), poly(ethylene amine), poly(ethylene glycol), poly(propylene glycol), poly(vinyl acetate) and poly(vinyl benzyl chloride); and mixtures thereof. Other known complexing agents that can be excluded from the compositions of the present disclosure include those taught in CA 2634758, the disclosure of which is incorporated here by reference in its entirety. Examples include polyphosphorylated inositol compounds such as phytic acid, myo-inositol pentakis(dihydrogen phosphate); myo-inositol tetrakis(dihydrogen phosphate), myo-inositol trikis(dihydrogen phosphate), and alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or ammonium salts of any of the above inositol compounds. Phytic acid is also known as myo-inositol 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakis (dihydrogen phosphate) or inositol hexaphosphoric acid.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of treatment or prevention of erosive tooth demineralization, gingivitis, plaque, and/or dental caries, the method comprising the application to the oral cavity of a person in need thereof a composition according to the invention (e.g., Composition 1.0 et seq), e.g., by brushing, for example, one or more times per day.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of using the compositions described herein (e.g., any of Compositions 1.0 et seq) to increase zinc levels in the enamel and to treat, reduce or control the incidence of enamel erosion. The methods comprise applying any of the compositions as described herein to the teeth, e.g., by brushing, or otherwise administering the compositions to the oral cavity of a subject in need thereof. The compositions can be administered regularly, such as, for example, one or more times per day. In various embodiments, administering the compositions of the present disclosure to a patient can provide one or more of the following benefits: (i) reduce hypersensitivity of the teeth, (ii) reduce plaque accumulation, (iii) reduce or inhibit demineralization and promote remineralization of the teeth, (iv) inhibit microbial biofilm formation in the oral cavity, (v) reduce or inhibit gingivitis, (vi) promote healing of sores or cuts in the mouth, (vii) reduce levels of acid producing bacteria, (viii) increase relative levels of non-cariogenic and/or non-plaque forming bacteria, (ix) reduce or inhibit formation of dental caries, (x) reduce, repair or inhibit pre-carious lesions of the enamel, e.g., as detected by quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) or electrical caries measurement (ECM), (xi) treat, relieve or reduce dry mouth, (xii) clean the teeth and oral cavity, (xiii) reduce erosion, (xiv) whiten teeth; (xv) reduce tartar build-up, and/or (xvi) promote systemic health, including cardiovascular health, e.g., by reducing potential for systemic infection via the oral tissues. The disclosure further provides compositions for use in any of the above methods. Further embodiments provide methods wherein at least one tooth is remineralized after administration of a composition as described herein.

The present application further discloses a method of making any of the compositions of the present disclosure. The method comprises combining zinc phosphate and stannous fluoride in water to form an aqueous zinc phosphate mixture. In some embodiments, the zinc phosphate is added to the dentifrice composition as a preformed salt and remains essentially insoluble in the aqueous mixture. The amount of water employed in the mixture can be any of the amounts recited herein for the compositions of the present disclosure. Any standard mixing techniques can be employed to combine the ingredients and form a stable composition without the need for additional complexing agents to solubilize the stannous fluoride, such as any of the above disclosed complexing or chelating agents, or the use of anhydrous mixing techniques such as dissolving stannous fluoride in an anhydrous material such as glycerin.

EXAMPLES Example 1—Dentifrice Formulation

Representative Dentifrice Formulations according to the present disclosure are prepared according to Table 1 below:

TABLE 1 Ingredient Weight % Water Q.S. (e.g. 15-40) Humectants 15-55 (e.g. 40) Abrasives 10-30 (e.g. 20) Thickeners 0.5-5 (e.g. 3.6) Organic Acid Buffer Salt 0.0-0.6 (e.g., Trisodium Citrate) Zinc Phosphate 0.05-5 (e.g. 2.3) Flavor, Sweetener, Colors 0.5-5 (e.g. 0.65) Alkali Phosphate Salts 0.5-5 (e.g. 2) Anionic Surfactant 0.01-10 (e.g. 1.50) Zwitterionic Surfactant 0.1-4.5 (e.g. 1.25) Organic Acid Buffer Acid 0.0-3.0 (e.g. Citric Acid) Stannous Fluoride 0.5-11 (e.g. 0.454)

Experimental dentifrice compositions are prepared based on the base formulation shown in Table 2. Each dentifrice comprises 0.454% stannous fluoride and 2.35% zinc phosphate hydrate, but varies in the concentration of citric acid and trisodium citrate dihydrate present. Ingredients in Table 1 are listed by weight of the composition.

TABLE 2 Ingredient Weight % Water Q.S. (e.g. 15-25%) Humectants (Sorbitol, 40 Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Polyethylene Glycol) Abrasives 20 Thickeners 3.6 Trisodium Citrate, Dihydrate 0.0-0.6 Zinc Phosphate 2.3 Flavor, Sweetener, Colors 0.65 Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate 2.0 Anionic Surfactant 1.50 Zwitterionic Surfactant 1.25 Citric Acid- Anhydrous 0.0-3.0 Stannous Fluoride 0.454

Example 2—Stannous and Zinc Solubility and Uptake

Seven variations of the base formulation shown in Table 2 are prepared. To measure metal ion solubility, slurries of each test dentifrice in deionized water are prepared at a 10% w/v dilution. The slurries are stirred vigorously for 30 minutes, and then filtered to remove insoluble material. The recovered filtrates are analyzed for soluble stannous ion, soluble zinc ion, and soluble fluoride ion by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results for stannous and zinc are presented as a proportion of the respective ion present in the neat formulation (%). Results for fluoride are presented as ppm. pH is measured as the 10% w/v aqueous suspension.

Metal ion uptake is measured using the Vitro-Skin soft tissue protocol. Vitro-Skin (IMS Inc., Portland, ME) is cut into uniform circles of 20-21 mm diameter, and the circles are rinsed in bulk with hexane and air dried to remove the silicone coating. After soaking the circles in sterilized, clear human saliva for three hours, the saliva is removed and the Vitro-Skin circles are added to a fresh slurry of the test composition in water (1 mL of slurry formed from 2.0 g composition plus 4 mL water). After incubating for 10 minutes at 37° C., the slurry is removed and the Vitro-skin circles are rinsed three times with distilled water. The circles are then soaked overnight in 1 mL of concentrated nitric acid. After dilution to a volume of 10 mL with distilled water, the resulting mixture is analyzed for stannous and zinc concentration by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Uptake is measured in units of microgram per square centimeter based on both sides of the Vitro-Skin circle tested. The results are shown in Table 3 below.

TABLE 3 Buffer System (wt %) Solubility Uptake Test Sodium Citric (F: ppm; Sn/Zn: %) (μg/cm²) Comp. Citrate* Acid F Sn Zn Sn Zn pH 1 0.00 0.00 1095 0.12 0.20 1.32 1.66 7.70 2 0.09 0.50 1097 0.20 0.21 1.52 2.43 7.76 3 0.18 1.00 1097 0.25 0.28 2.12 4.13 7.56 4 0.26 1.50 1112 0.30 0.35 2.30 3.07 7.46 5 0.35 2.00 1075 0.33 0.43 2.00 4.78 7.32 6 0.44 2.50 1070 0.39 0.49 1.73 4.71 7.08 7 0.53 3.00 1086 0.41 0.57 2.34 3.60 7.05 *Sodium citrate added as the dihydrate salt (87.8 wt % sodium citrate)

The data shows that the addition of a buffer system comprising 5:1 by weight of citric acid/trisodium citrate dihydrate (5.68:1 by weight citric acid/trisodium citrate anhydrous), the amount of soluble stannous and zinc is substantially increased, without a loss in fluoride solubility. The results show a steady increase in metal ion solubility as the concentration of the buffer system in the dentifrice is raised. Metal ion uptake is similarly increased, with optimum uptake occurring at about 1.76 to 2.94 wt % buffer system.

Example 3 Antibacterial Efficacy

Anti-bacterial efficacy is measured using an ATP bioluminescence assay with planktonic bacteria (BacTiter-Glo Microbial Cell Viability Assay, from Promega). Assays are performed at both a 1:4 dilution and a 1:8 dilution of the dentifrice in phosphate-buffered saline. Compositions 1, 2, 4 and 7 are compared to a commercial toothpaste composition comprising stannous fluoride and zinc lactate. Results are determined by sample luminescence on a PerkinElmer 2104 EnVision Multilabel Reader. Luminescence is measured in units of cps (counts per second). The results are shown in Table 4 below.

TABLE 4 Sample Dilution Test Comp. 1:4 1:8 Comparative Ex. I 30,454 58,334 Composition 1 10,982 15,808 Composition 2 9580 15,338 Composition 4 8076 20,634 Composition 7 10,140 21,630

The results show that each of the Compositions of the invention inhibit bacterial growth much more effectively than the comparative compositions.

The formulation of Comparative Example I is shown in table 5 below.

TABLE 5 Ingredient % w/w Comp. Ex. I Water and minors 9.50 (color, flavor) Stannous fluoride 0.454 Zinc lactate 2.50 Zinc phosphate — Thickeners 3.15 Glycerin 34.65 Abrasive silica 20.00 Sodium 13.00 Hexametaphosphate Propylene Glycol 7.00 Trisodium Citrate — Dihydrate Sodium — Tripolyphosphate Polyethylene Glycol 7.00 600 Tetrasodium — Pyrophosphate Anionic Surfactant 1.00 Trisodium Phosphate 1.10 Zwitterionic — Surfactant Sodium Gluconate 0.65 Anionic Polymer — Citric Acid —

Example 4: Comparative Stability Study

A 13-week stability study is performed with two arms, one at room temperature and one at 40° C. Formulation A-1 is a dentifrice containing 0.454% stannous fluoride, 1% zinc phosphate, 1.2% citrate buffer, and 4% TSPP. Formulation B contains 0.454% stannous fluoride, 1% zinc oxide, 1.2% citrate buffer, and 4% TSPP. The results are shown in Table 6 below.

TABLE 6 Soluble Fluoride (ppm) Soluble Tin (wt %) Soluble Zinc (wt %) 8 weeks 13 Weeks 8 weeks 13 Weeks 8 weeks 13 Weeks Initial RT 40° C. Initial RT 40° C. Initial RT 40° C. Form. 1099 1080 1011 0.27 0.26 0.20 0.33 0.36 0.29 A-1 Form. 1124 1138 1136 0.07 0.00 0.00 0.44 0.32 0.22 B The results demonstrate that while the use of zinc oxide results in comparable fluoride stability to using zinc phosphate, the soluble stannous level and soluble zine level is significantly reduced both initially and over the course of the study when zinc oxide is used instead of zinc phosphate. This demonstrates that zinc phosphate has the ability to stabilize stannous ion against oxidative degradation, whereas zinc oxide does not. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that in the presence of citrate buffer, zinc oxide is solubilized and interacts with stannous fluoride to cause conversion of the stannous ion to stannous hydroxide, which precipitates out. In contrast, zinc phosphate is able to maintain zinc and stannous in a bioavailable soluble form in the presence of citrate buffer.

Example 5: Comparative Stability Study

An additional stability study is performed in which the soluble tin recoverable is compared between a formulation according to the present invention (Formulation A-2) and two commercial competitors (Comparative B and C). The study is performed for 13 weeks at room temperature. Formulation A-2 comprises 0.454% stannous fluoride, 1% zinc phosphate, 1.2% citrate buffer, and 2% TSPP (Formula A-2 is essentially the same as Formulation A-1, except that it contains 2% TSPP instead of 4% TSPP). Comparative composition B is a low water composition comprising stannous fluoride, about 2.5% zinc lactate, and about 10% water. Comparative composition C is a high-water composition comprising 0.454% stannous fluoride, 0.27% stannous chloride, 0.5% zinc citrate, and about 43% water. The results shown in Table 7 below demonstrate that while existing low-water stannous fluoride compositions can achieve stannous ion stability, high water compositions cannot. Indeed, the commercial formulation comprising more than double the total tin salt content results in half as much recoverable soluble tin at the conclusion of the study.

TABLE 7 Total Added Tin Soluble Tin at 13 (wt %) Weeks (wt %) Formulation A-2 0.34 0.22 Comparative B 0.34 0.20 (low water) Comparative C 0.72 0.10 (high water)

Example 6: Quantification of Soluble Tin (II) by Titration with Iodine

Tin can exist in two oxidation states, Sn(II) (stannous) and Sn(IV) (stannic). Oxidizing agents, including atmospheric oxygen, can oxidize Sn(II) to Sn(IV). Soluble Sn(II) can be rapidly quantified by titrating with the inorganic oxidizing agent iodine, such as according to the method of Howe, P., and Watts, P., Tin and inorganic tin compounds, (World Health Organization, 2005). Formulation A-2, and Comparative Formulations B and C, as described above, are tested for soluble tin using this method. The results are shown in Table 8 below. These results further demonstrate that a composition according to the invention unexpectedly stabilizes tin in a high water composition.

TABLE 8 Tin (II) (Wt %) Formulation A-2 0.25 Comparative B 0.13 (low water) Comparative C 0.16 (high water

Example 7: Comparative Antibacterial Efficacy

The antibacterial efficacy of Formulation A-2 is compared to various commercial competitor formulations using the planktonic bacteria ATP luminescence assay described in Example 3. Formulation A-2 is a dentifrice comprising 0.454% stannous fluoride, 1% zinc phosphate, 1.2% citrate buffer, and 2% TSPP. Comparative composition C is a high-water composition comprising 0.454% stannous fluoride, 0.27% stannous chloride, 0.5% zinc citrate, and about 43% water. Comparative Composition D is a commercial stabilized stannous dentifrice comprising about 0.45% stannous fluoride in a substantially anhydrous (zero-water) base. The results are shown in Table 9 below. Samples are diluted 1:8 in a mixture of saliva and PBS. Positive controls are measured for saliva alone and the saliva/PBS mixture used for sample dilution. The results show that Formulation A-2 is significantly more effective in killing bacteria compared to any of the commercial competitors.

TABLE 9 Luminescence (cps) Saliva (Control) 168398 Saliva/PBS 109810 (Control) Formulation A-2 4954 Comparative C 65192 (high water) Comparative D 11612 (no water)

Example 8: Enamel Protection

Four commercial toothpaste compositions are compared to Formulation A-2 in a 5% citric acid etching and post pH cycling experiment. Comparative Compositions B, C and D, are as described above. Comparative composition E is a standard commercial sodium fluoride toothpaste without zinc or stannous agents. Bovine enamel substrates (N=10 per cell) were prepared by embedding bovine incisors in methacrylate resin blocks, and polishing consecutively with 600 and 1200 grit carbide paper. Care is taken not to penetrate the dentin layer while polishing the enamel to a minor finish. Prior to testing, each enamel substrate is pre-etched by 30-seconds of treatment with 5% citric acid. Half of each enamel core is protected with acid-resistant tape to serve as a negative control. The microhardness is measured as a baseline for further testing. The model uses involves six cycles repeated consecutively, wherein each cycle comprises 1 hour of storage of the enamel substrate at 37° C. in saliva, followed by a ten-second rinse, followed by either 1 minute of treatment or 2 minutes of acid challenge, followed by a ten second rinse. The cycle repeats a total of six times. In the first and sixth cycles, a treatment step is used, while in the second through fifth cycles, acid challenge is applied. After the final step, the enamel cores are stored overnight in saliva at 37° C. Thus, the daily sequence can be summarized as T-C-C-C-C-T (T=treatment; C=acid challenge). The entire process repeats for five consecutive days. Each acid challenge step involves treatment with a 1% aqueous citric acid solution adjusted to pH 3.8. At the conclusion of the 5-day study, microhardness is evaluated by comparison to the control side of each enamel core. The percent change in hardness is calculated.

The results are presented in Table 10 below. The results show that Formulation A-2 provides unexpectedly better enamel protection compared to each of the comparative commercial compositions.

TABLE 10 % Mineral Loss Formulation A-2 45 Comparative B 50 (low water) Comparative C 49 (high water) Comparative D 52 (no water) Comparative E 57 (sodium fluoride)

Example 9: Optimization of Phosphate and Citrate

Chelating systems are well known for increasing analytical availability (recovery) of metal ions, such as stannous and zinc. However, over-chelation can decrease bioavailability, and therefore can also decrease anti-bacterial efficacy. Both organic acids, such as citric acid and citrate salts, and polyphosphates, such as pyrophosphates and tripolyphosphates, are capable of chelating divalent metal ions, such as stannous and zinc. To evaluate the optimization of polyphosphate and citrate concentrations, a series of aqueous test solutions are prepared and analyzed for soluble stannous concentration, stannous ion uptake and stannous bioavailability.

Solutions are prepared comprising 1.7 wt % zinc phosphate, 0.454 wt % stannous fluoride, and varying amounts of tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP) and citrate buffer (1:5 citric acid to trisodium citrate) in a 2:1 v/v mixture of sorbitol and water. Samples are shaken to disperse and pH adjusted to 6.5. Each solution is then centrifuged at 10,000 rpm for 10 minutes to remove any suspended particles and then the supernatant is submitted to analysis.

Paraffin-stimulated whole saliva is collected from healthy male or female subjects. Saliva supernatant is obtained by centrifuging whole saliva for 10 minutes at 7500 g. Bovine enamel blocks are incubated overnight at 37° C. in 1 mL of saliva in order to develop a pellicle. Samples are prepared in triplicate. Each set is treated with 5 mL of 1% aqueous citric acid for 2 minutes, and then rinsed with deionized water. Following rinsing, each block is treated with 5 mL of the test solution with shaking for 2 minutes at 37° C.) Each set is then rinsed with deionized water, and individual bovine blocks are placed into separate vials. All blocks are then treated with 10 mL of freshly prepared 6% aqueous citric acid for one hour. The acidic solution is then removed into new tubes and submitted to analysis. The results are shown in Table 11 below. For comparison of the results, the bioavailability of experiment 4 is set to 100%.

TABLE 11 Citrate % % TSPP Buffer Soluble Sn Uptake Bioavailable # (wt %) (wt %) pH Sn (ppm) Sn 1 0 0 6.1 0 — — 2 4 4 6.8 0.37 1.22 38% 3 0 1.41 6.5 0.35 2.18 67% 4 1.58 1.23 6.1 0.39 3.23 100%  5 1.06 0 6.5 0.37 2.97 92%

The results demonstrate that in the absence of chelating agent, there is no recovery of soluble stannous ion. The results also show that optimal stannous ion uptake is achieved by using a mixture of TSPP and citrate buffer, but also that over-inclusion of these chelating agents (4% of each) results in over-chelation and a consequent decrease in uptake and bioavailability (despite a high soluble stannous concentration).

While the present invention has been described with reference to embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made therein without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. 

1-20. (canceled)
 21. An oral care composition comprising: a zinc source in an amount from about 0.5 to about 4 wt. %, relative to the weight of the oral care compositions, stannous fluoride in an amount from about 0.01 to about 5 wt. %, relative to the weight of the oral care composition, and an organic acid buffer system, wherein the organic acid buffer system comprises citric acid and sodium citrate in an amount of about 1 to about 3 wt. %, relative to the weight of the oral care composition, measured as the combined amount of citric acid and sodium citrate; and wherein the composition comprises water in an amount from about 10 to about 50 wt. %, relative to the weight of the oral care composition.
 22. A composition according to claim 21, wherein the zinc phosphate is a preformed salt of zinc phosphate.
 23. A composition according to claim 21, wherein the buffer system comprises citric acid and a sodium citrate salt, in a ratio of from 1:3 to 1:6.
 24. A composition according to claim 21, further comprising one or more humectants.
 25. A composition according to claim 21, further comprising one or more surfactants.
 26. A composition according to claim 21, further comprising an effective amount of one or more alkali phosphate salts.
 27. A composition according to claim 26, wherein the alkali phosphate salts comprise tetrasodium pyrophosphate, tetrapotassium pyrophosphate, or a combination thereof.
 28. A composition according to claim 26, wherein the alkali phosphate salts comprise sodium tripolyphosphate, potassium tripolyphosphate, or a combination thereof.
 29. A composition according to claim 21, wherein the zinc source is selected from zinc phosphate, zinc citrate, zinc oxide, zinc lactate, zinc pyrophosphate, zinc sulfate, zinc chloride, and a combination thereof.
 30. A composition according to claim 29, wherein the source comprises zinc phosphate, zinc citrate, zinc oxide, zinc lactate, or a combination thereof.
 31. A composition according to claim 29, wherein the source comprises zinc phosphate.
 32. A composition according to claim 31, wherein the oral care composition is a dentifrice, powder, cream, strip or gum.
 33. A method of treatment or prevention of erosive tooth demineralization, gingivitis, plaque, and/or dental caries, the method comprising the application to the oral cavity of a person in need thereof a composition according to claim
 1. 34. An oral care composition comprising: a zinc source in an amount from about 0.5 to about 4 wt. %, relative to the weight of the oral care compositions, stannous fluoride in an amount from about 0.01 to about 5 wt. %, relative to the weight of the oral care composition, and an organic acid buffer system, wherein the organic acid buffer system comprises citric acid and sodium citrate in a weight ratio of citric acid to sodium citrate of 1:3 to 1:6, wherein the composition comprises water in an amount from about 10 wt. % or more, relative to the weight of the oral care composition.
 35. A composition according to claim 34 further comprising one or more alkali phosphate salts.
 36. A composition according to claim 35, wherein the alkali phosphate salts comprise sodium tripolyphosphate, potassium tripolyphosphate, tetras odium pyrophosphate, tetrapotassium pyrophosphate, or a combination thereof.
 37. A composition according to claim 34 further comprising a surfactant.
 38. A composition according to claim 34 further comprising a humectant selected from sorbitol, glycerol, xylitol, propylene glycol, and a combination thereof.
 39. An oral care composition comprising: a zinc source in an amount from about 0.5 to about 4 wt. %, relative to the weight of the oral care compositions; stannous fluoride in an amount from about 0.01 to about 5 wt. %, relative to the weight of the oral care composition; an organic acid buffer system; and at least one of tetrasodium pyrophosphate or tetrapotassium, wherein the composition comprises water in an amount from about 10 wt. % or more, relative to the weight of the oral care composition. 